2 Live Crew is an American hip-hop group that emerged from Miami, Florida, in the mid-1980s, renowned for their provocative lyrics and sexually explicit content. They played a pivotal role in the evolution of the Miami bass genre and Southern hip hop, gaining notoriety and acclaim for their boundary-pushing artistic expression. The group's most significant moments came in the late 1980s and early 1990s, particularly with their hit single "Me So Horny," which became emblematic of their provocative style.

Formed in 1984, 2 Live Crew originally consisted of DJ Mr. Mixx (David Hobbs), Fresh Kid Ice (Christopher Wong Won), and Amazing Vee (Yuri Vielot). However, the group's most well-known lineup was solidified with the addition of Brother Marquis (Mark Ross) and the replacement of Amazing Vee by Luther "Luke Skyywalker" Campbell, who not only fronted the group but also managed and promoted them. This lineup was instrumental in crafting the sound that characterized their breakthrough album, The 2 Live Crew Is What We Are, released in 1986. The album introduced their signature style, combining pulsating basslines with humorous yet risqué themes, setting the stage for their future success.

The group's 1989 album, As Nasty As They Wanna Be, marked a turning point in their career, achieving double platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and featuring the iconic single "Me So Horny." The album's explicit content stirred significant controversy, leading to legal battles over obscenity. In a landmark decision, a federal judge declared the album legally obscene in 1990, making it the first music recording to receive such a ruling in the United States. This sparked a high-profile First Amendment case, which ultimately saw the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit overturn the initial ruling in 1992, establishing 2 Live Crew's legacy as defenders of free speech in music.

Despite facing continuous challenges, including lineup changes and ongoing legal issues, 2 Live Crew continued to produce music throughout the 1990s and beyond. Their 1990 album, Banned in the U.S.A., was notable for being the first album to bear a Parental Advisory label, further cementing their reputation for pushing the envelope of artistic expression. The group remained active until their official disbandment in 2016, following the death of Fresh Kid Ice in 2017, a significant loss for both the group and their fans.

2 Live Crew's influence on hip-hop culture is profound, particularly in their role in advocating for artistic freedom and popularizing bass-heavy production. Their legacy endures through their music, which continues to resonate with new generations of artists and fans alike, demonstrating the lasting impact of their work in shaping the landscape of hip-hop.